Alternative Fueled Vehicles

Alternative-Fueled Vehicles Proceedings

The CPUC’s work on Alternative-Fueled Vehicles (AFV) began in 1990 by implementing policies that developed equipment and infrastructure to facilitate the use of electricity and natural gas to fuel low-emission vehicles (P.U. Code 740.3). In 2006, the State adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In response, the Air Resources Board (ARB) created a Climate Change Scoping Plan (2008), which identified that efficient, zero-emission vehicles using low carbon fuels are “needed as vital components” for the State to achieve its GHG emission reduction goals. Pursuant to the Scoping Plan and Senate Bill (SB) 626 (Kehoe 2009), the CPUC began adopting rules that supported the widespread deployment and use of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (P.U. Code 740.2). In its Alternative-Fueled Vehicles rulemakings the CPUC coordinates with other state agencies to determine policies, ensure adequate electrical infrastructure, and develop the technology needed to achieve California’s renewable energy, air quality, and climate change goals.

Governor Brown’s Executive Order B-16-2012 set forth several goals related to ZEVs, chiefly to deploy 1.5 million ZEVs on California roads by 2025 and to reduce the State’s transportation-related GHG emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. A subsequent Action Plan identified specific strategies and responsibilities for State agencies in pursuit of the goals. CAISO, CEC, and CPUC have worked with stakeholders as directed by the Action plan to develop a Vehicle-Grid Integration Roadmap.

25. Develop a tool to map the preferred location for DC fast charging, based on traffic patterns and PG&E's distribution system, to address EV drivers' needs while reducing the impact on PG&E's distribution grid

A FERC-approved settlement requires NRG to invest more than $100 million on charging infrastructure —including 200 DC Fast chargers and 10,000 “make ready” plug-in units at 1000 locations— to spur electric vehicle adoption throughout all communities in California. Per this settlement, NRG periodically submits plans on the infrastructure deployment to the CPUC.

Plug-in Electric Vehicle Rates for Customers

The three electric IOUs provide light duty plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) time-of-use (TOU) energy rates. TOU rates incentivize customers to recharge their PEVs during “off-peak” hours to ensure reliable operations of the electric grid. Customers may elect either to 1) measure both their home and PEV load using a single electric meter or 2) measure their home load separately from their PEV load.

In addition, a Pilot Program is available to allow customers to use a non-utility Submeter to access time-of-use energy rates.

To contact the Alternative Fuel Vehicles staff at the CPUC with a question specific to the CPUC, please email energy@cpuc.ca.gov or call our hotline at 415-355-5586. To look up any staff member at the CPUC, please see the CPUC Phone list.

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